This Is Where It's At

Scripture: Romans 10:6-9, same as last S.O.A.P.

Observation: The context of these verses must have a role in what Paul's point is here. He moves from his desire for the Jews to be saved, to explaining that they missed salvation because of their focus on self-righteousness, to our verses in question, to the conclusion in verses 10-12 that promises everyone who comes in faith to God who believes and confesses faith in God's work for our salvation -- Jesus' life, death and resurrection -- will be saved. Verses 6-9 must fit into this line of thinking.

So... Paul is quoting Moses in Deuteronomy 30:11-13 where Moses had just finished explaining the blessings and curses of God which would come depending on whether they followed God's commandments or not. There he says that the commands were not too far away; the people shouldn't try to go to some great lengths to discover secrets of God or to find God's salvation. The commandments are met by having a heart for God in faith. 

Back in Romans 10, verses 8 and 9 are a picture of what faith is, or rather where the means of salvation is -- the faith that is in us. Verses 6 and 7 are a picture of what faith is not, or rather where the means of salvation is not -- high in heaven for us to raise ourselves to nor deep in the earth (or across the sea) for us to go some great distance to find. Both of these things would be work on our part which would tun give us reason to feel deserving of eternal life.

The problem with that is that if God doesn't get all the credit, grace is not grace and the gifts isn't a gift!

Application: Salvation is right in front of all of us. It is not only for the wealthy or the intelligent or the educated or the famous or limited to one people group or one geographical location. Salvation is available to all through the act of faith.

Yet faith in Jesus Christ is required. That faith then should lead to submission to God and committing my whole life to Him. 

Prayer: Father! Thank You for making salvation so easy to access for everyone. By doing that You have made Your goodness and mercy even more well known! Without Your grace I would be without hope. I love You. Amen.